Breaking News! Lava spews 100 feet high from new vent
March 7, 2011
Kilauea is the youngest and southeastern most volcanos on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The dramatic plume of steam and gas has been gushing from a vent in the crater wall since March 11th, representing the first eruption in Halemaumau since 1982. In its early stages, there were three small explosions – the first ones at the summit since 1924 – and the plume changed for a while from fluffy white to dusky brown, indicating that ash had shifted into the plume, according to scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Then it returned to a snowy white, rising up to a mile above the crater.
The summit of Kilauea lies on a curving line of volcanoes that includes Mauna Kea and Kohala and excludes Mauna Loa. In other words, Kilauea is to Mauna Kea as Lo`ihi is to Mauna Loa. Hawaiians used the word Kilauea only for the summit caldera, but earth scientists and, over time, popular usage have extended the name to include the entire volcano.
Ocean Entry
Visitors are allowed entry to the viewing area every day from 2 p.m., with the last vehicles admitted at 8:00 p.m. This will allow officials to ensure that everybody is out of the area by 10 p.m. The viewing area is closed between 10 pm and 2 pm. This schedule is subject to change; hazardous conditions may require changes to the schedule or closure.
